Maddie's Castle In Phoenixville Makes Every Pet Feel Special

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Maddie's Castle is apparently the place for you and your pet to be.

The Phoenixville pet boutique sells food, toys, and treats for pets and their owners, but Patch readers tell a bigger story. Maddie's Castle, at 178 Bridge St., is a happy place that they love to come with their pets, for a self-service dog wash, nail clipping, or maybe even to meet Santa.

It was nominated by Patch readers more than any other as a best business in Phoenixville.

Local owner Diane Klein is a self-described "passionate animal lover," who was for 25 years Practice Manager of the Ardmore Animal Hospital.

"I am now pursuing my dream of owning a pet store in my local community," Klein said. She opened doors in June 2016. "I love to make animals happy."

The love of animals is felt by customers at Maddie's Castle, who told Patch how great the business is, and why:

"Brought my dog in there to get sized for a harness. He was interested in a stuffed hedgehog and grabbed it off the shelf and carried it around the store. Prepared to buy it at the end of the trip, owner stuffed it in a bag and told me how happy she was that he liked it. Free hedgehog. Happy pup."

"Maddie's Castle each and every customer, two legs or four, is treated like royalty! They go out of their way to fill your special order and delivery is free."

"The staff is friendly and helpful. The prices are very reasonable. The store is clean and well organized."

"The customer service is top notch. They are so good with pets coming into the store. My dogs loved it. The dogs were able to try a couple of different treats and we purchased based on what they liked. They have a great variety of products and make the shopping experience a lot of fun!"

"Maddie's Castle goes out of their way for customers, and will make local deliveries. They know customers- both humans and dogs by name. They know how to make you feel special."

"This is the best pet store I have honestly ever been to. Everyone is beyond friendly, helpful and down to earth. We live nearby and stop in frequently. Very reasonable prices too. They also deliver locally right to your doorstep! We have two cats and a dog and they always keep us well stocked! I can't say enough good things about this place. Wonderful local feel and I am more than happy to spend money here and support."

"They go above and beyond to make sure their customers have the best experience ever, and work so hard to accommodate the ever changing COVID safety landscape."

"The wonderful owners and staff make for an amazing shopping experience, love our small local businesses!"

"Amazing products at good prices, incredibly friendly owners and staff, wonderful customer service, and helpful services like nail clippings and the dog wash station!"

Klein responded saying, "It warms my heart."

Asked why so many people love Maddie's Castle, she said, "We're 'mom and pop.' We know our people and the dogs by name." She thinks people like that the business in small. "We're a destination."

Klein said she is "not a seller," but "comes from the veterinary side, which is service." After 25 years working in a veterinarian's office, she said it was sold to a corporation and she became unhappy in her work. She wanted to help the community, and loved animals, so she went into her own business.

"I won't sell people something I don't believe in," she said. "If I get negative feedback on a product, I'll pull it." She tries to offer locally made goods, like jerky and bakery treats.

She remembers the type of food different customers buy for their dogs, even when the owners sometimes forget. And, yes, she likes to give the dogs toys.

Maddie's Castle has a self-serve dogwash station, and in November she opened it up free. "We supply the shampoo, towels, and drier. You supply the dog," the services page says.

Klein said she tries to keep prices low, and if she can't compete with big-box prices, she often just doesn't order those items. As the Pet Valu is shuddering its local stores, Klein says she has already hired one person who lost her job in the closings.

The business's website states, "Maddie's Castle believes strongly in supporting local rescues and shelters. We have a 'rescue area' where proceeds of products purchased go to helping several different rescues. We also host monthly adoption events. Even if you are not looking to expand your furry family, please spread the word to family and friends who may be thinking about adopting!"

Find more information here.